“Final Fantasy 9 Returns in 2026 as a Different Genre, Square Enix Confirms” — what this page in the network covers. Square Enix is officially bringing back Final Fantasy IX, but not as the turn-based RPG fans remember. The 2000 classic is being reimagined in a new genre for a 2026 release, marking a bold shift for one of the franchise's most cherished entries. While exact gameplay details are still under wraps, the announcement confirms that the project is a full genre switch rather than a simple remaster or remake.
This move aligns with Square Enix's recent strategy of experimenting with its back catalog, as seen with titles like Final Fantasy VII Remake and Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. For longtime fans, the change may be divisive, but it also opens the door for new audiences to experience the world of Gaia, its characters like Zidane and Vivi, and its story of identity and belonging. For the complete material, the listing points back to the source inside the network.